About
NITI Aayog, the Government of India’s policy think tank in New Delhi, takes college students as unpaid interns for six weeks to six months. Applications open online from the 1st to the 10th of every month.
Interns work with one of NITI Aayog’s verticals or divisions on areas such as economics, agriculture, education, health, energy, governance or data analysis, and write a short report at the end. There are 26 domains to choose from.
Undergraduates can apply after their 4th-semester exams if they scored 85% or more in Class 12. Postgraduates can apply after their 2nd-semester exams, and research scholars can also apply. The internship is unpaid and interns bring their own laptop.
Dates
| Edition | Registration opens | Deadline | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2026 application window | 1 Nov 2026 | 10 Nov 2026 | — | Opens 1 Nov |
Who can take part
UG students after 2nd year (85% in Class 12), PG students and research scholars
You qualify if you match any one of these:
UG
- Studying in: UG
- At least 85% marks in Class 12
- completed or appeared in the term-end exams of the 2nd year (4th semester) of the bachelor's degree
PG/Research
- Studying in: PG, Doctoral
- completed or appeared in the 1st-year (2nd semester) exams of the PG programme, or pursuing research/PhD
- minimum marks in graduation as set in the NITI guidelines
Recent graduates
- appeared in final exams or just finished UG/PG with the cumulative marks set in the guidelines
- gap between result month and internship month not more than six months
Take part as: an individual
Rounds
- Online application1st-10th of any month, two to six months before the desired start month
- ScrutinyDivisions review applications and pick interns
- InternshipSix weeks to six months at NITI Aayog, New Delhi, with at least 75% attendance
- ReportInterns submit a short report or paper at the end
Prizes and recognition
- Unpaid internship
Certificate: All participants
Internship certificate from the Adviser of the division on successful completion
How to apply
Fill in the online registration form on the NITI Aayog internship page between the 1st and 10th of a month, choosing a domain; apply no later than two months before the month you want to start. Only one application per financial year
What you need
- No Objection Certificate from the HOD or Principal on letterhead
- original mark sheets at joining
How winners are chosen
Division heads and advisers screen applications in their domain; selected names are posted on the NITI Aayog website. Each division takes up to three interns at a time
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Frequently asked questions
Is the NITI Aayog internship paid?
No. It is unpaid
When can I apply?
Online, from the 1st to the 10th of any month, up to six months ahead and at least two months before the month you want to start.
How long is the internship?
Between six weeks and six months.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, on completing the internship with at least 75% attendance.
Sources
Information verified on 10 Oct 2026
- Internship - NITI Aayog · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- NITI Aayog Internship Scheme Guidelines · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
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